Amazing what a simple victory can do to boost a team’s spirits.
Kansas University’s volleyball team has had tastes of victory, but it’s ready to take gulps.
And there’s no better time than now. After beating Iowa State on the road in five games Wednesday, the Jayhawks look to keep the momentum going against Missouri tonight at the Horejsi Center.
First serve is set for 7 p.m.
“Winning takes care of a lot of those issues,” KU coach Ray Bechard said. “They’ve been playing pretty well at times. We’re hoping to build from that.”
Kansas (11-6 overall, 2-6 Big 12 Conference) is coming off a 3-2 victory at Iowa State, which snapped a five-match losing streak. All five losses were in the Big 12.
The Tigers, meanwhile, are 10-5 overall and 5-3 in the Big 12. They’re coming off a 3-0 loss to No. 9 Texas that snapped a four-match winning streak.
As is the case with most sports in the KU-Mizzou series, volleyball has had an exciting recent history. The teams split the home-and-away series last year, with both matches going five games. The last three Border Showdowns have stretched to the necessary fifth game.
“I don’t expect anything less than that type of match (tonight),” Bechard said. “They’re playing extremely well. They’re tied for third in the conference, and they’ve got a lot of offensive balance. It will be tough to match up.”
The 2004-05 Border Showdown — formerly the Border War, the yearlong, all-sports tally between KU and MU — still is in its early stages. KU leads the series 31/2 to one-half.
Kansas University’s baseball squad saw its five-game win streak snapped in a 2-1 loss to Oral Roberts in 10 innings Tuesday, but the Jayhawks have an opportunity to right the ship before Big 12 Conference competition begins next week.
KU’s final nonconference series starts at noon today with a doubleheader against Western Illinois at Hoglund Ballpark.
The Leathernecks (9-13) probably will have a decent scouting report on the Jayhawks (18-9-1) because the teams play common opponents.
The Leathernecks are coming off an 0-2 trip at Nebraska, and went 1-2 against Kansas State. Western Illinois also traveled to Hawaii-Hilo to face the Vulcans, as KU did to start the season, and left the Big Island with a 4-3 mark.
Kansas, which is receiving votes in the ESPN/USA Today coaches poll, has been almost perfect at home this season — holding an 11-1 mark.
The Jayhawks have a team batting average of .393. KU has outscored its opposition by an average score of 11.9-3.3 in its 12 games in Lawrence.
Kansas pitchers also have thrived at Hoglund, posting an earned-run average of 2.83, while striking out 97. KU senior Ryan Knippschild (4-2) will start the first game against the Leathernecks, and junior Clint Schambach (2-0) will start the second game.
KU-MU volleyball notes (.pdf)